Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
July 2005.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• PROGRAM - JUNE 22, 2005;
• Patience is;
• REVIEW - MAY 25, 2005;
• It's Ventura County Fair Time Again;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• What's In A Word;
• VGMS SHOW: A Call for 2006 Show Volunteers;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• Having Fun - Juniors Activities;
• MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE;
• THE MUSEUM CORNER;
• Web Sites;
• Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings;
• JULY BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• PUBLIC OUTREACH;
• SAFETY FIRST: SAFETY RULES FOR FIELD TRIPS;
• Bills travel;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• METEORITES;
• Earth Sciences Studies;
• PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES PRESERVATIONS ACT, SENATE BILL S-263;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk);
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• THE INSIDE STORY;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Summer has finally arrived. For those who are planning a vacation, don't forget to include a side trip for collecting rocks, minerals or fossils. This always adds excitement to your travels. The upcoming trip to Cerro Gordo near Lone Pine is a once a year opportunity so don't pass it up!

Each 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9 am to 12, is set aside for club members to take advantage of and use the club equipment. Work on what you've learned in cab class or try something new. Limited instruction is available but generally you work on your own. Certainly ask if you'd like to see a technique, equipment or different facet of this hobby demonstrated and it might be arranged with a shop steward. It's also a time that members offer their time to clean up and maintain the facilities at the museum.

Now is the time to begin preparing your exhibit for the Ventura County Fair which will be in August. Don't wait until the last minute. Support the Ventura County Fair by entering cases and offering to volunteer or demonstrate. It's a great opportunity to publicize our club.

Ed Clark, President.

  Table of Contents.

WORDS TO LIVE BY.

The one thing responsible for the good old days is a poor memory.

May you never miss a rainbow because you are looking down. (This is a trait of rockhounds but is necessary to find that beautiful rock specimen.)

Old age is when you hear "snap, crackle and pop" in the morning and it isn't your cereal.

How long a minute is depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

  Table of Contents.

PROGRAM - JUNE 22, 2005:
Underlying Geology of the Ventura Area
Presented by Walter Hamann.

Walter Hamann of Rincon Consultants, Inc. at our June meeting, will present the "Underlying Geology of the Ventura Area". With the shaking and rattling going on in California recently, this will be a most interesting program. Hope to see you all there.

Submitted by Ed Clark.

  Table of Contents.

*************

Patience is the ability to let your light shine after your fuse has blown.
From Happenings 8/04 via Napa Gems 10/04.

  Table of Contents.

REVIEW - MAY 25, 2005:
Silent Auction Extraordinaire
with Ray and Florence Meisenheimer.

Silent Auctions are always fun and this one was no exception! Ray and Florence had some wonderful material and several members added more wonderful material! The half hour of bidding is the most fun of all, whether you are a bidder or an observer! Members circle the table and write down their bids and then circle again to see if anyone has out bid them! If so they go higher or say "well they can have it". If they have gone higher they sort of stand back and keep a nonchalant eye on their treasures. If anyone goes higher they sneak in and up it! Sometimes you go home with things you really didn't want just because you were having so much fun competing! All in all it is a fun evening with good fellowship and refreshments and prize treasures in your bag! It is a fun way to add some revenue to our treasury and good material to our collections. Good job Ray and Florence and thanks to all the members who also brought donations.

  Table of Contents.

It's Ventura County Fair Time Again!

The Fair is just around the corner, Wednesday August 3rd through Sunday August 14th. Be thinking about your exhibits and cases. The theme is "A Country Fair with Ocean Air". We have a lot of members who work very hard getting the Gem & Mineral building set up, demonstrating during the fair, walking the floor for security and answering questions and cleaning up afterwards (almost sounds like our show doesn't it?). It's great fun and good publicity for VGMS as well. Richard and Shirley Bromser are the assistants to Bob Stultz, Superintendent of the Gem & Mineral Dept. and the Hobbies & Collections Departments and Jean Stultz in charge of entries for these two Departments. They work very hard during the Fair season and commended VGMS members as being great help and hard workers.

Richard will have the Fair Catalogs at the June meeting for your entry forms, etc. He advised the set up date will be some time after the 4th of July, but a definite date has not been set. They will need help with set up and also with taking entries for the Gem & Mineral and the Hobbies and Collection Departments on the following days. Any time you can put in will be appreciated. You don't have to do a full day, a 4 hr. shift is most helpful.

The Hobbies and Collections entry days/times are:
     Friday, 7-22-05 - 10 to 6pm;
     Saturday, 7-23-05 - 10-5pm;
     Sunday, 7-24-05 - 10-5pm.

The Gem and Mineral exhibit entry days/times are:
     Friday, 7-29-05 - 10 to 6pm;
     Saturday, 7-30-05 - 10 to 5pm;
     Sunday, 7-31-05 - 10 to 5pm.

  Table of Contents.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

6-22-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. - "Underlying Geology of the Ventura Area" presented by Walter Hamann.
7-7-05 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
7-10-05 - DEADLINE FOR JULY Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
7-16-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon.
7-22 to 24-05 - Hobbies and Collections Entries to Ventura County Fair - See times in "Ventura County Fair" article in this bulletin.
7-27-05 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. "Rocks & Minerals of the Upper Midwest" presented by Wayne Ehlers.
7-29 to 31-05 - Gem & Mineral Entries to Ventura County Fair - See times in "Ventura County Fair"" article in this bulletin.
8-3 to 14-05 - Ventura County Fair - Seaside Park. "A Country Fair with Ocean Air".
8-4-05 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
8-20-05 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon.

  Table of Contents.

What's In A Word?

Apophyllite: From the Greek for "detached" and "leaf", because it opens up when heated.
Fluorite: From Latin for "to flow" because it melts easily.

From "Gems Minerals Crystals and Ores" by Richard M. Pearl.

Submitted by Ed Clark.

  Table of Contents.

VGMS SHOW:
A Call for 2006 Show Volunteers.

We're moving along on preparations for our 2006 Show. Discussions are ongoing between Ray Meisenheimer and the Fairgrounds about the possibility of utilizing a single, larger building and we're paving the way for constructing 10 new club cases and for creating a professionally prepared "Welcome" banner. The most immediate need at present is for YOU!!! We need you to volunteer to be a Show Committee Chair. Many thanks to our latest volunteers: Kathryn Davis to be Dealer/Demo-Dealer Chair, David Mautz to take charge of Set-up & Case Assembly, and Wayne Ehlers for Security. Following is a list of Show Committee Chairs with names of everyone who has already volunteered. We hope you'll add yours!

Please volunteer to fill spots marked "open." Even for positions that already have a name, we welcome volunteers to be co-chairs. (For instance, Nancy asks for at least one additional co-chair for Hospitality, and it's best to have at least two co-chairs for the Kids' Booth.) An especially important post is Exhibitors' Chair. Many of the same exhibitors return year after year, so most of the leads are already at hand and it's primarily a matter of contacting and confirming those who will attend in 2006 and sending them the relevant info. To volunteer for a post, please email me (jbraceth@adelphia.net) or call (659-3577). I look forward to hearing from you!

Submitted by Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chair.

  Table of Contents.

CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Editor's Note: We have received notification that Steve Mulqueen's "Advanced Adult Article" entered into the CFMS Bulletin Editor's contest has placed in the top two! We will have the final results at the June meeting! Congratulations Steve!

California Oil Museum in Santa Paula - Be sure to check out the most current VGMS exhibit in the museum. It features a large cluster of Water clear Quartz on loan from the Kathryn Davis collection. Steve and Susan Mulqueen prepare these exhibits for the museum several times during the year. It is excellent publicity for VGMS. Thank you for your continued efforts Susan and Steve. This is a most interesting museum to visit. Be sure to make a point of going if you have not been.

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2005 Meetings - We are still in need of a volunteer for September. If you are able to help out in that month, give Sharon Cunningham a call at 805 649-3579. Thank you to all who have volunteered, many hands make tasks much more enjoyable!
     June: Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson,
     July: Shirley & Richard Bromser,
     August: Florence & Ray Meisenheimer,
     September: Open,
     October: Emma Mayer,
     November: Pumpkin Pies - Everyone,
     December: Christmas Party.

VGMS Workshops - They are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 until noon unless otherwise notified. The Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393 & Greg Davis (805) 647-9214. Stop and say thanks to these volunteers for the opportunity they give the rest of us. It is there for your use take advantage of it. With vacations and business trips it is a good idea to call to make sure the museum will be open.

CFMS & AFMS Newsletters - Anyone interested in their own subscriptions to these, please contact Shirley Layton (805 717-9226). The cost for one year is $5.50 for the CFMS and $4.50 for the AFMS. I do share some information from these with you, but there is much more in each issue that you may be interested in.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

Having Fun - Juniors Activities:
Spread the Word on the AFMS FRA Badge Program!
By Jim Brace-Thompson, Juniors Activities Chair.

     I've been very pleased to award several AFMS Future Rockhounds of America merit badges this spring to kids in a number of clubs. Some clubs have made the badge program a centerpiece of their youth activities for 2005. For instance, the Woodland Hills Rock Chippers have crafted a year-long schedule, all laid out on a spreadsheet, with merit badge activities incorporated as part of their monthly program, homework assignments, weekend field trips, and their annual show. They've done a truly superb job of planning their kids' program and are to be congratulated and emulated!
     Across the U.S., approximately 30 clubs and societies are finding good ways to utilize the badge program to enhance their efforts to involve kids in the hobby. Some clubs, such as the Flatirons Mineral Club in Colorado, have also found that the badge program is getting adult club members more involved by volunteering to guide kids through workshop safety and the basics of crafting their first cabochons.
     However, only a handful of those 30 clubs currently using the AFMS FRA Merit Badge Program are located here in our own California Federation. I encourage all who read the CFMS Newsletter to spread the word to sign up more societies. My goal is to have at least 50 clubs nationwide using the merit badge program by year's end. Let's see if we can have a good number of those 50 right here in our own Federation! Along with this article, I'm including the sign-up sheet that describes the merit badge program and makes it easy for you to sign up your club. (Or you can simply call or email me - 805/659-3577, jbraceth@adelphia.net.) Let's all utilize this program to further efforts to help our kids learn the science and craft of our hobby while--as always--having fun!
     From the CFMS Newsletter June 2005.

Join Future Rockhounds of America.

HISTORY OF FUTURE ROCKHOUNDS OF AMERICA:

     Rockhound clubs throughout the regional Federations have supported youth groups for many years. Most clubs have always had young members but often didn't know what sorts of activities to provide for them. Consequently many youth fell through the cracks. We're sure no one would argue the fact that we need to ensure the future of our hobby by encouraging our youth. Knowing this, under the direction of AFMS President Bill Cox in 1984, a committee was added to the AFMS called "Junior Clubs". Bill coined the name "Future Rockhounds of America" and designed a certificate to be given to junior clubs becoming members of FRA. It gives pebble pups and juniors the distinction of belonging to something worthwhile. The only requirement for obtaining FRA membership is to be organized and sponsored by a regional Federation club (although exceptions can be made). There are no dues to pay to the AFMS for being a member. Starting in Fall 2004, Juniors Activities Chair Jim Brace-Thompson developed a free "merit badge" program of guided activities to provide youth leaders with over 50 individual activities in 9 areas: rocks and minerals, earth resources, fossils, lapidary arts, collecting, showmanship, communication, field trips, and leadership. Kids can earn badges in each area. Those earning a minimum of 6 of the 9 badges earn a "Rockhound" badge as a mark of accomplishment and distinction. Details of the program may be found on the "Kids Corner" section of the AFMS web site: www.amfed.org/.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE AFMS YOUTH PROGRAM, FUTURE ROCKHOUNDS OF AMERICA?

All you need is a group of kids, a sponsor, a name, and an application to FRA!

REQUIREMENTS:

Your group must be a member of your regional Federation, either through a sponsoring club or through an independent application into your local Federation.

1. The number of youth is not important: you can have as few as 2 and as many as you can handle.

2. Age: Any kids up to the age of 18.

Just fill out "applications/Future-rockhounds-app.htm", or contact your local Federation Juniors Chair or check out the "Kids Corner" of the AFMS web site (www.amfed.org/.)

  Table of Contents.

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE.

What do you expect from such simple creatures!?
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be president.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO T-shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station because this one's just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress - $5000; tux rental - $100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood, ALL the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes, one color, all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocketknife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24, in 45 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

From The Petrified Log 6/05.

  Table of Contents.

THE MUSEUM CORNER,
By Debbie Bunn, Chair, Museum Committee.

If you are in the San Francisco area you may want to take a side trip to the nearby Napa Valley wineries. If you do, plan to spend a couple of hours at the Calistoga Petrified Forest. This private park/museum is located at the far end of the valley, just past the tourist town of Calistoga. This is a pleasant, shaded area for a picnic lunch (or a place to "sober up" after visiting those wineries).

The .4-mile trail is mostly paved or compacted dirt. Only the last .1 of a mile has any elevation gain worth mentioning. Guided tours are offered periodically, or you can take the self-guided trail that includes information about present day vegetation as well as eleven stops to show off the petrified wood in situ.

Most of the petrified trees are redwood. There is some pine, too. Most of the redwoods were over 2000 years old when they were buried 3 million years ago. The longest tree excavated is 105 feet in length and 6 feet in diameter. As you walk along the path, watch for unmarked chunks of wood--but remember--no collecting!

There is a very nice little museum and gift shop. The gift shop has a little bit of everything. Local wood, polished wood from around the world, T-shirts, books, ice cream, chips, film, etc.

The Petrified Forest is open daily 9-6, winter 9-5. 4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga, CA 94515, #707-942-6667, www.petrifiedforest.org/.

What could be more perfect than an afternoon at the Calistoga Petrified Forest? Wine, and petrified wood, it doesn't get any better than that.

From the CFMS Newsletter June 2005.

  Table of Contents.

Web Sites.

AFMS web site - http://www.amfed.org/,
CFMS web site - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
CA BLM web site - http://www.ca.blm.gov/.

  Table of Contents.

Program Schedule for Monthly Meetings,
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, 2005.

*The designated "Speaker" is responsible for one of the following options during the assigned meeting:
     Present a lecture;
     Invite a guest speaker, introduce him/her at the meeting;
     Present a video related to our hobby.

Please Note: A good source for material is the CFMS Slide and Video Library AKA "Podium People". For this and slide programs or CFMS Club rosters, please contact Florence Meisenheimer - CFMS website would also be of help.

  Table of Contents.

JULY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in July. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! With our new members (and some of the old ones), I have some gaps in my list. Help me out - please let me know if I have missed your birthday. Call Shirley Layton at 805-717-9226 and leave a message if I'm not there or an email will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!

July - Happy Birthday!!
     Sharon Cunningham - 7th,
     Helen Spaeth - 8th,
     Vern Markley - 26th,
     Nancy Brace-Thompson - 27th,
     Ron Chegwidden - 29th.

The July birthstone is the Ruby and the flower is the Larkspur.

RUBY, the red variety of corundum.

VARIETY INFORMATION:

• Variety of: Corundum, Al₂O₃;
• Uses: Gemstone;
• Birthstone for: July;
• Color: Various shades of red;
• Index of refraction: 1.76 - 1.78;
• Birefringence: 0.009;
• Hardness: 9;
• Cleavage: None, although there is a rhombic parting;
• Crystal system: Trigonal;
• Pleochric: Strongly.

     Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. The non-red variety of corundum is Sapphire. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but can be nearly any color. The red color in ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. The best shade of red for ruby is often given the name "pigeon blood red", but ruby can be any shade of red up to almost pink. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-rayed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Ruby. Rubies come from all over the world but good gemstones are found at Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, North Carolina in the U.S., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Kampuchea, and perhaps most notably, Burma.

Unless otherwise noted, all mineral descriptions and images, plus the related descriptions on this server are the property of Amethyst Galleries, Inc., (http://mineral.galleries.com/), and may not be copied for commercial purposes. Permission to copy descriptions and images is granted for personal and educational use only.

  Table of Contents.

HOSPITALITY.

The Silent Auction had 21 members vying for material laid out. Sorry to say there weren't any guests or pebble pups as they would have enjoyed the competitive bidding as well! With all the good material waiting to be bid on there weren't any door prize drawings. Susan and Steve Mulqueen furnished some delicious refreshments to help through the anxious waiting for the bidding outcome!

  Table of Contents.

VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, May 25th, 2005:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ed Clark at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, May 25th, 2005 at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
     The April meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin.
Ed Clark welcomed everyone and introduced guests. The June general meeting program is open at this time but we have several ideas in store.
Shirley Layton - The 10th of June will be the deadline for articles and photographs to be submitted for the bulletin. Members should have received their new directories by this time.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
Ray Meisenheimer - Ray reminded everyone of the upcoming Federation Show in Roseville this June. The club has been contacted by a James Frank, who has some lapidary equipment for sale. Included is a 20 inch lap. See Ray for details.
Steve Mulqueen - The most recent display at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula features quartz crystals from our club members. Stop by and check it out when you're in the area. Steve & Susan put a lot of time into rotating the displays, which are a good source of publicity for our club.
Jim Brace-Thompson - We may be getting the agriculture building at the fair grounds for our show next year and there are still a couple of positions open for the 2006 show. A design for new show cases was decided on and the order was placed.
Ray & Florence next presented a silent auction filled with treasures for everyone. The bidding was wild there for a while and almost everything sold.
     Refreshments were provided by Susan & Steve Mulqueen.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, June 2nd, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. All are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held June 22nd at the Lexington.
     There being no further business, President Ed Clark adjourned the meeting at 9:00 pm.
     Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis, Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Monthly Board Meeting,
Thursday, June 2, 2005:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by (pro-tem) Ray Meisenheimer at 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 2nd, 2005, at the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA.
Present: Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Jim Brace-Thompson, Shirley Layton, Richard and Shirley Bromser, Steve Mulqueen, Lowell Foster and Greg Davis.
Old business:
Jim Brace-Thompson - More show positions have been filled but we still need volunteers for the kids' booth. The order for new cases has been placed with Cal Clason at $125.00 each.
New business:
Richard Bromser presented copies of the treasurer's report and it was m/s/c to accept as written.
Shirley Layton - Articles for the bulletin need to be received by the 10th of the month. Guests are being sent club bulletins for 2 months and the new directories have been issued.
Jim Brace-Thompson - Space at the museum will need to be allocated for the new cases.
Ray Meisenheimer - Light fixtures will need to be purchased for the newly built cases as they will not come with them. Ray has been asked to give presentations to schools in Oxnard and Camarillo. Soon he'll need help with these programs and hopes someone will offer to train with him as a backup docent.
Florence Meisenheimer - The CFMS needs judges for their shows and are willing to send members to training camps. See Florence for details.
Lowell Foster offered to present a program for our June meeting.
Steve Mulqueen - Robert W. Eveleth has asked for permission to publish, in his book, a reproduction of a photo taken by Bruno Benson of Mrs. Blanchard at the Blanchard claim, Bingham, New Mexico. VGMS will be noted. A permission form will be supplied by Jim Brace-Thompson and forwarded for signing. It was also recommended that Ed Clark be assigned a key to the museum along with any future club president. No action was taken at this time. Steve also mentioned that the museum roof will need to be recovered again before next winter. It was noted and will be pending further studies/recommendations.
     The next general meeting will be on June 22nd, 2005 at the Lexington in Ventura and the next board meeting is July 7th at the I.B.E.W. Hall in Ventura.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
     Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis, Recording Secretary.

  Table of Contents.

MEMBERSHIP.

No new member activity to report. See Shirley Bromser for a new membership application if you have any prospects or inquiries.

Attention New Members (or anyone needing a badge).
Need a Club Badge?
Blue Engravers is giving us a $.50 reduction per badge
for advertising space in the club bulletin!
Ventura County Shape badge $11.28 (includes. tax & ship).
ACCOUNT: Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Name (print clearly. It will be on your name badge):

_____________________________________________

Address:

_____________________________________________

_______________________________Zip: __________

Make check payable to and mail to (takes 5-7 business days):
Blue Engravers,
1375 Caspian Ave.,
Long Beach, CA 90813.
If ordering more than 2 badges call them for exact shipping
costs at (562) 983-5140, FAX (562) 983-5146,
E-mail BLUEGRAVR@aol.com.

  Table of Contents.

PUBLIC OUTREACH.

On Sunday, May 1st, Jim Brace-Thompson and Ed Clark represented VGMS at "Ventura Rocks!" in Arroyo Verde Park. The event was sponsored by the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy to draw attention to the natural resources offered by our local hillsides. A professional geologist displayed maps and talked about the geography and geologic history of Ventura County while Jim and Ed displayed local fossils from Jim's collection and local beach rocks provided by Lowell Foster. We also provided free rock specimens and allowed kids to dig through a "treasure chest" of tumbled stones to pick out ones to keep, which created a constant crowd of kids and parents at our table, some of whom walked away with our 2006 Show flyers and a club brochure. We answered a lot of questions about local fossils and rocks and helped a group of Boy Scouts earn their geology merit badge by guiding them to the Arroyo Verde fossil site on one of the park trails for some hillside collecting.

Contributed by Jim Brace-Thompson.


Bug Fair 2005 - On May 21 - 22, 2005, Steve and Susan Mulqueen prepared two exhibits at Bug Fair 2005 that was held at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. The displays were titled "Insects of California" and "Fossil Insects". Specimens of California insects in the first exhibit case were collected by Susan within the past 25 years. The second case contained insect fossils from the Green River Formation of Colorado, collected by Steve and Susan.

Contributed by Steve Mulqueen.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

SAFETY FIRST:
SAFETY RULES FOR FIELD TRIPS
By Bill Klose, AFMS Safety Chair.

Field trip season is upon us and we need to pause and review appropriate safety rules. Field trip leaders need to review these rules before every field trip.

1. Never go on a field trip alone. Have someone along who can help or summon help if necessary. Make sure someone knows where you have gone and when you will return. Carry a cell phone with spare battery to expedite your communications. Call someone if you are going to change your routine or are going to be late. Should you leave a field trip early, notify the person in charge.

2. Should there be children on the field trip, have them within sight or talking distance at all times. A child could not only become lost, but could encounter a snake, scorpion, etc., or have an accident of some sort.

3. Do not collect directly above or below other people or below unstable rock piles, cliff walls or overhangs where there may be danger of falling rock.

4. Park so that all cars can get out. Do not block the roadway. Do not drive cars, SUVs, or RVs, such as "4 wheelers", across fields to avoid damaging property, setting grass fires with catalytic converters or damaging the vehicle. Do not drive across or walk on newly planted or cultivated fields without special permission.

5. Have your vehicle in proper working order with appropriate emergency equipment and supplies as outlined in last month's Safety First article.

6. Make sure that all fires are completely out and wet down the ashes with water, stir to make sure there are not any buried embers and then smother completely with dirt. Adhere to local fire regulations and warnings.

7. Break all matches and shred all cigarettes before discarding and be careful where they are disposed of. Take them with you rather than leaving them as litter.

8. Do not throw rocks or engage in "horse play" and do not allow children to do so.

9. Do not over exert or stay in the direct sunlight or heat too long. Take a rest in the shade from time to time and drink plenty of electrolyte replacing fluids, such as sports drinks. Properly wear appropriate safety equipment, sunscreen, and clothing.

10. Avoid old mine tunnels. Never go into a mine alone. Carry a flashlight and a candle with you. Carbon dioxide or other gases, such as methane, may be present. There may even be a lack of oxygen. Mines are also havens for snakes, scorpions, spiders, rodents and their feces which can carry disease. Mines also may contain uncovered shafts and pits. Also be extremely cautious around abandoned buildings. You may stumble into old deep wells or cesspools not properly covered.

11. Respect property rights and signs. Obtain permission to enter property if owned by private individuals or corporations. Attend Company safety briefings required by OSHA and sign releases. Pay attention to and practice the Company's safety policies. Adhere to government, regulations and restrictions if collecting on public lands or parks. Pay any collecting fees required and do not exceed collecting limits where established.

12. Inquire if there are any dangerous animals on the property. Close all gates you open.

13. Refill any holes you dig so people or animals will not fall in. Do not dump dirt or other debris into streams.

14. Respect another's diggings. If a person has left for lunch or for any other reason with the intent of returning, and has left a pick, coat, or definite marker, find another spot.

15. Leave any place in good condition. Don't leave paper, cans, and other litter lying around to mar the beauty of the place, and to tell others that you have been there. Take your litter with you, do not bury it.

16. Never eat wild berries or anything else unless you are absolutely sure they are safe. Carry bottled water or other drinks and do not drink from streams or wells that have not been recently tested.

17. Be able to recognize poison ivy, poison oak, etc. Should there be any doubt, don't touch.

18. Always be alert for snakes, scorpions, ticks, spiders, rodent infestations, etc. Be very careful where you place your hands and feet.

19. Bring and properly use the appropriate well maintained and inspected tools. Don't expect others to provide tools for you.

20. Use proper lifting and carrying techniques to bring home your finds. Do not overload your vehicle.

Many of these safety rules are covered in greater detail in the AFMS Safety Manual and on the AFMS web site. Have a safe field trip season in 2005.

AFMS Newsletter 6-7-8/05.

  Table of Contents.

*************

Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
Scribe January-March 2004.

  Table of Contents.

"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

JUNE FIELD TRIP:
Cerro Gordo Mine,
A "Cool" Field Trip for June,
June 26, 2005.

Cerro Gordo is an old silver, lead, and tin mine located a cool 9000 feet above sea level in the Inyo Mountains out of Lone Pine. The site is brimming with minerals. Views of the Owens Valley, Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mount Whitney are spectacular! The historical museum and buildings add to the interest and have the feel of the frontier.

The yearly Lone Pine G&MS fieldtrip offers the only opportunity for collecting at Cerro Gordo. There are about 150 minerals that have been found at the site, some of them fluorescent. The trip is well worth the $5.00 admission fee!

Date: June 26, 2005.
Time: 8:00 am.
Place: Lee's Chevron at the south end of Lone Pine on Highway 395.
Leader: Frances Pedneau.
Contact him at 760-876-4319, franceem@qnet.com.

I will be unavailable after June 14 - Ron Wise.

The 4th of July Holcomb Valley Outing.

     GROUP INVITATION TO WSPC HOLCOMB VALLEY: As a member of the West Side Prospectors, Inc., I will be hosting a group at a gold prospecting claim from the evening of Thursday, June 30th to Monday July 4th. Those guests who are interested in a campout to learn gold prospecting will be invited to this private, working, incorporated, 80 acre claim in the forested Holcomb Valley, behind Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. Portable toilets will be onsite. Otherwise, unless you have an RV, expect this to be a totally primitive camping experience. Two wheel drives and campers can easily negotiate the partially washboard road. Children and pets are welcome. Keep an eye on your pets because coyotes have been seen coming into camp. You will learn the skills of drywashing and panning the concentrates to recover fine gold and pickers. If you can become proficient at panning flour gold, you will be able to uncover the elusive nugget. Yes, you keep all the gold you find; it's yours.
     My fellow gold prospecting club members and I are always eager to teach you and your kids how to prospect for gold. This claim has some of the finest sparkly stuff, I've ever found. I have always come home with some gold from this claim. You will want to bring a vial to keep your gold, earplugs when using a drywasher, two 10-inch plastic gold prospector's pans, a basin or tub to hold water for panning your gold, a mask or kerchief for the nose and mouth to wear when working at the tailing mounds, and plenty of water to drink and for panning out your gold from the concentrates and "pay dirt" (black sands).
     I'll do a GPS orienteering field class. Of course any of you who are already versed in GPSology, may also contribute your didactic fund of knowledge, patiently, for the GPS newbees. I'll teach you to set-up your GPS, Set waypoints, Create a Route, Backtrack, and the use of the Goto function. After you have familiarity with those functions, the GPS Geogames will commence. We will play Geocaching, Geopoker, Geo Pony Express, and Geo Hide, Seek and Rescue. Bring your GPS units and have had read the owner's manual to your particular unit. I am versed in using the Garmen Etrex. Also, optionally, bring your walkie-talkies to use during the various organized GPS geogames.
     Bring something for the potluck dinner. After dinner we will have a Bingo game, raffles with fun camping and gold prospecting prizes, a possible coin shoot using metal detectors and loads of good stories from the old timers.

Coordinate Route to The Buckshot Gold Prospecting Claim Campsite - Behind Big Bear Lake, Alan Jacobs:

Set GPS for True North.

     I like to go up Highway 18 to Big Bear. Then take Hwy 38 when you arrive in Big Bear. Take Hwy 38 past the Ranger Station and past the Visitor Center. From this Direction, Turn right onto Polique Canyon Road (Waypoint #001).
     Follow the waypoints on the topo map and/or program the above waypoints as a "route" into your GPS.
     I will post rendezvous times at waypoint #006 (the T-intersection) at specific times as we get closer to the date of the outing for those who need help finding the campsite. I will also have signs posted at the T-intersection pointing to the berm and the way into camp. My cell phone number is 559-380-6350 if you need me to send out the bloodhounds.
     I will be on the claim from Thursday, June 30th, by sundown till Monday July 4th. Unfortunately, no guests would be permitted to camp on the claim before my arrival, because the BLM will eject you from this private incorporated mining site.
     You are in for one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and educational outings of the season. Kids and pets are permitted. Bring lots of drinking water. Pick up a 10-inch plastic prospecting pan with high riffles. Earplugs and a kerchief to cover the nose and mouth are advisable when working with the drywasher and a glass vile to hold your gold. The topo map will be posted soon. Feel free to ask me any questions to help you prepare yourself for an optimally positive experience.

Supply List Optional:
1. Plastic Pans: http://www.lifestylestore.com/ls_goldpan_5031.html.
2. A vile to store your gold: http://www.lifestylestore.com/ls_vials&goodies.html. (Close the new window to return here.)
3. Garmin Etrex GPS Unit: http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay
?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47923313
&parent_category_rn=4500600&vcat=REI_SEARCH. (Close the new window to return here.)
(WEBMASTER'S NOTE: I left two of the above links in because they're so long or unusual you might not have real good luck trying to copy them.)

Truly, Alan Jacobs.

TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIPS 2005:
Before going on a field trip PLEASE
contact field trip leader to confirm
that there is a field trip scheduled.

*** Please call your club field trip leader to confirm that there is a field trip scheduled in the event of changes.

CFMS Field Trip to Afton Canyon Report
By Bob Fitzpatrick, Field Trip Chair South.

Just returned home from the Cady Mountains and Afton Canyon areas. I want to thank the 83 CFMS rock hound members who showed up for this field trip and signed the CFMS consent and assumption of risk waiver of liability forms.

Day 1; Friday; April 29th: The weather was nice when I arrived at the campsite area at 8:30 a.m. First I put the CFMS signs up on Basin Road as I got off the freeway to help everyone find their way to the campsite. At 1:00 p.m. we had a large group and as planned we headed out for an afternoon field trip to do some serious rockhounding. We had 14 vehicles in a caravan and found the 4X4 trail that we had to take was in really bad shape. Most of the way the road had really soft sand or large rocks in it due to all the rain we had during the first part of the year. Our first stop was for collecting gem marble and agate on the flats nearby. After that we drove to the blue agate and gem hill area where we all had a good time climbing the hills and collecting calcite rhombs (they look like ice cubes), chalcedony, agate, jasper, small amygdules (some will have sagenite sprays in them), blue agate and much more. By 4:30 p.m. it was time to make the drive back to camp where everyone pitched in and got things ready for the campfire that evening. We had a lot of fun telling stories and visiting with everyone. I want to thank all of those who brought wood for our campfire.

Day 2, Saturday, April 30th: The schedule was to leave at 8:00 a.m. sharp to go to the collecting site. We all lined up in a caravan; rides were found for the ones that didn't have 4-wheel drive vehicles. People were still showing up late because there had been an accident on the freeway, so while we were waiting we took group pictures. By the time we left at 8:30 a.m. we had 23 SUV's and pick-ups lined up. While heading to the fluorite mine (about a 30-minute drive) we had one 2-wheel drive pick-up get stuck in the soft sand (everyone had been told "4 wheel drive" vehicles only). At the fluorite mine, Adam Dean gave a talk on what we would be looking for; he also had some nice pictures of sagenite that he had found in the Cady Mountains. We walked up the canyon and everyone was shown where and how to find the emerald green fluorite. Some nice specimens of the green fluorite were collected and some good multicolored jasp-agate, opalite, onyx, calcite rhombs along with other gemmy items were found. At 12:00 noon we traveled about 2 miles up the main canyon to one of Adam's secret collecting areas for sagenite sprays in larger amygdules. We searched here for a couple of hours and everyone found some nice gemmy material then we drove down the canyon a few miles to collect on the open flats. A Mojave rattlesnake was spotted and some nice pictures were taken of it. Around 4:00 p.m. we headed back to camp to get ready for our potluck dinner. At 6:00 everything was ready and all the food was on the tables where Bob Bryne said grace before we ate. After dinner we sat around the fire and told jokes and stories.

Thomas Hess and his lovely wife Kim and little girl, Autumn, arrived Saturday afternoon to collect with us and camp out. Thomas showed everyone some of the gemmy tourmaline and other pegmatite gems he had collected over the last few years at some of the well-known mines in San Diego County. Thomas is the founder and leader of the Die Hard Rockhounds (a large group of rockhounds that are out rockhounding almost every weekend); he is also a member of the CFMS.

Day 3, Sunday, May 1st: My good friend Adam Dean who is a member of the OBMS Club and knows the Cady mountains better then any of us, took us to another one of his secret areas to collect. More new people showed up to join us and at 8:00 a.m. we were on our way. We all had another great day collecting amygdules nodules (they're shaped like large potatoes with a dull iron stain that covers the exteriors; also, most have plume or sagenite sprays in them) and other gemmy items were collected too. About 2:00 we headed back to camp to pack up to head for our homes.

During the three days of our field trip the weather couldn't have been better, I could write 100 pages about this field trip telling you all the great things we did and saw; it was one of the best trips I've ever been on. If you missed it, you missed a great time!

There are some CFMS members I want to thank for helping me make this field trip and camp over a great success. Ken Barron, Adam Dean, Teresa Felix, Bob Bryne, Jay Valle, Jean Wise, Kathy Eschbach, Pamela Birge, and everyone who brought all that great food to the potluck. Again, thank to all of you.

From the CFMS Newsletter June 2005.

  Table of Contents.

METEORITES.

Meteorites are rocks that have fallen to Earth from outer space. Their sizes vary from that of a pinhead to masses weighing several tons. Large ones may impact with sufficient force to produce craters a kilometer or more in diameter, such as the New Quebec Crater situated in the Ungava Peninsula of Northern Quebec. It is a classic example of a simple, relatively small meteorite crater. Measuring 3.2 kilometers in diameter with a central lake 252 meters deep. It was formed about a million years ago. We know that even larger meteorites have struck the Earth in the past, because of large craters called astroblemes many tens of kilometers across. These meteorites must have been completely vaporized by the force of the impact, and only the scars remain. Surface processes on Earth have buried or disguised astroblemes, but such craters are clearly visible on other planetary bodies. Small meteorites generally land with little effect and are found at shallow depth or loose on the Earth's surface. In rare instances, they have become embedded in buildings or automobiles, but there is only one record of a person being struck. Thousands of meteorites have been found in Antarctica, where they fell on ice and were preserved, transported by ice and exposed thousands of years later. Although meteorites may differ widely in their chemical and physical properties, they all have one important point in common: they are all of extraterrestrial origin, coming from space beyond the Earth's atmosphere. Meteorites are related to, but quite distinct from, meteors, which are the "shooting stars" that are often seen streaking through the night sky with a brilliant, silvery light. Meteors are actually the incandescent paths that objects produce on their fiery flight through the Earth's atmosphere. The brilliant fragment, its tail, as well as the glowing debris it sheds in flight, produce a luminous fireball, streak. They may even break apart explosively with the sound of thunder. The fragments and pieces of extraterrestrial objects that reach Earth are what we call meteorites. Of course, objects that are not extraterrestrial, such as satellites, space ships and rocket debris, can also produce fiery paths as they re-enter the atmosphere. Meteorites probably originate when comets or small planets-called asteroids-collide with one another in space. Their orbits may also be changed by gravitational forces, and they become set on a collision course with Earth. Each incoming fragment is set ablaze by the tremendous friction developed as it hurtles through the atmosphere. Most fragments burn up completely, but fortunately some survive. A meteorite fall may consist of only one specimen or a shower of several hundred. Very few fireballs have been tracked accurately enough to enable their meteorites to be recovered, but such an event occurred near Innisfree, Alberta, in 1977. A special network of cameras recorded the fall with such accuracy that pieces of the meteorite were found quickly, and the pre-collision orbit of the parent body could be calculated. Only two other events have been so well documented. Meteorites have been put to many uses. A tribe of Alberta Indians used one as a fetish or ceremonial stone. The famous Black Stone, held most sacred throughout the Islamic world, is believed to be a meteorite. In early Asia Minor, iron tools were fashioned from meteorites and, in more recent times, a lump of metal used as a barn doorstop on a farm in western Canada turned out to be a meteorite. Today, meteorites are being used to make jewelry. Try www.star-bits.com/ for more information.

From Crack'n'Cab 1/98 via MOROKS Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter 6/05.

  Table of Contents.

Earth Sciences Studies
By Cal Clason, Chair - Earth Science Studies.

     First off, my sincerest apologies for not having the registration forms for Camp Paradise in the May issue of the Newsletter as I had previously stated; but things happen. In this case probably a lack of communication between Jack Williams and me. We had them ready and both assumed that the other would forward them to Dick Pankey, neither of us did although we had a reminder from Dick of the upcoming deadline. Neither of us took it upon ourselves to take action. So it was not included; but was posted on the web page. It will be found elsewhere in this edition. I take full responsibility for the oversight and again offer my most sincere apologies if it in anyway inconvenienced you; with that being said I again urge everyone who receives the bulletin to share all the information with your club members. Good communications are instrumental in the successful operation of any joint endeavor. In case I led someone astray, the correct dates for Camp Paradise are Sept. 11-17 and Sept. 18-24, 2005.
     For those of you who need the lead-time to make arrangements, our Spring Seminar for 2006 will be held at Zzyzx March 19 - 26. As always we urge registration as early as possible to ensure a reservation. Although the initial preparations are presently being done, not much will be forthcoming until the Seminar at Camp Paradise is history.
     As the dates for Camp Paradise draw nearer Jack Williams and I will be sharing the available information with you via the CFMS Newsletter and Web Page.
     I am very happy to report that we had a most successful outing at Zzyzx. We were privileged to provide an enjoyable week with 65 registered (with no cancellations) 2-day students, and 16 instructors and staff. From the preponderance of comments it was a very enjoyable week. The field trips were extremely well accepted and attended. Our Open House on Saturday saw 46 more arrive to partake of the camaraderie that is always prevalent and enjoy the barbecue that was available. Marion Roberts and Eric Lindeman (our chef/caterer) did an outstanding job with the steaks and Tom Burchard prepared the chicken, all of it was excellent. I was very pleased to greet some of the folks who in years gone by attended and worked to make the Earth Sciences the success that it has become over the past twenty years. Thanks for your help.
     Can't think of any other pertinent information at the present time; but will try to keep you informed.
          From the CFMS Newsletter 12 June 2005.
Editors Note: See the May 2005 Rockhound Rambling for the Camp Paradise Registration Form.

  Table of Contents.

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATIONS ACT,
SENATE BILL S-263.
Example Letter To Oppose Senate Bill S-263.

     The Paleo Resources Bill is still floating around in the Senate. If you've not done so, it is imperative that you and your club members write to your Senators and Representatives expressing your views on a) the effort to fast track the legislation without debate and b) the legislation itself.
     If we remain silent on this legislation all of us will lose our right to collect. Although this bill deals with fossils, other collecting possibilities may be threatened next.
     Here is a good sample letter that might serve as a guideline for your own letter to your legislators.
     With a little modification to personalize this letter and make it your own, it will be ready to send. Do it today, or at least do it soon. This letter was written by David J. Panaro, Moorpark, CA.

*************             *************

Date.

Honorable (Your Representitive),
United States House of Representatives,
Address.

Dear Congressman XXXXXX:

As one of your most loyal and long-time supporters, and a resident of Congressional District Number 24 of California, I am writing to ask for your help to defeat Senate Bill S-263, a supposed Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. It has already passed through committee without amendment for action on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

As a Registered Geologist and amateur gem and mineral collector, I can attest that S-263 is a very bad piece of legislation, and I ask that you do what you can to block passage of this Bill by a no vote or any other means available to you. There are many good reasons why this poorly conceived legislation is a detriment to this country and it's citizens, and they boil down to this:

1. This bill masquerades as protecting fossils and academic inquiry. IT DOES NOT. To the contrary, it inhibits knowledge and inquiry. The majority of what is known about fossils has been gathered by commercial and amateur collectors, and most museum collections are the result of non-commercial or amateur finds.

2. The Secretary of the Interior asked that academic, amateur and commercial fossil collectors be consulted in the preparation of potential legislation regarding fossil resources on public lands. To my knowledge, the commercial collectors were not consulted, input from amateurs was not solicited, and there was never an opportunity for any to testify.

3. This legislation is the product of a few academics alone, in concert with a small group of managers from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Such collegiate and government personnel have, through aggressive tactics, pushed their own skewed agenda; an agenda that is not good for the true science of paleontology, and would be a tragic mistake if enacted.

This Bill (S-263) must be stopped, or at the very least scrapped, as it serves neither the resource nor the public. I believe I can speak for all amateur collectors, and ask that our rights as citizens not be infringed upon, nor should we live under the fear of being arrested simply because we picked up a bone, shell, or fossil of some sort.

Please do what you can to shut down and eliminate Senate Bill 263.

Best regards,

(Your Name and Address.)

CFMS Newsletter - 6/05 & AFMS Newsletter -6, 7, 8/05.

  Table of Contents.

HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS,
(Use at your own risk).

Rockhounding -- Top 21 Things You"ll Want While You're In The Field.

Rockhounding experience (our own and tips and hints from colleagues, customers, and friends) has led us to compile the following list of things you won't want to be without.
1. FIRST AID KIT: We hope the reason for this one is obvious. A friend and fellow rockhound says "Rockhounding is like hockey, it's not fun until you see blood." We won't go that far, but we often get scrapes, bug bites, etc.
2. SPARE TIRE & TOOLS TO CHANGE A FLAT: Rocks wreak havoc on soft rubber tires. We don't even want to go into the story of the day we were out in the desert with our flat, our spare and no lug wrench.
3. GAS: Make sure you have enough gas to make the trip into the desert and back out. It's a good idea to take an extra can full.
4. WATER: There is no potable (drinkable) water in the desert! Take lots.
5. TOILET PAPER: More uses than you think. The standard "paper work" use and it can also be used to wrap specimens. Make sure you take enough for both.
6. GARBAGE BAGS: Also dual purpose. The obvious choice for this item is hauling your trash out. They also make great wrap for specimens.
7. HAND LENS: For those of you not familiar with this item, it's a small, high quality magnifier that you can wear around your neck. You will want to look at ALL the crystals you find, large and small, and you won't see the small ones without a hand lens.
8. IDENTIFICATION GUIDE: There are many guides on the market. Two of them are Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals and Simon and Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals.
9. MAPS & GUIDE BOOKS: Not only will you want to know how to get where you are going, you will want to know how to get home again. There are currently three guide books on Utah. They all have their pros and cons. We haven't found a guide book yet that didn't contain its fair share of wrong directions. Most people end up with and use all three books and use them to find great rocks & minerals.
10. NOTEBOOK & PENCIL: Your specimens are much more valuable if you know where they came from. And you may want to go back and get more from a specific location. If you do not keep track of this information you won't have a way to do that. Not only write down the location, draw a picture of the area or your own map.
11. ROCK HAMMER & SHEATH: No, a nail hammer is not good enough. Rock hammers are a solid piece of steel. Therefore, the head cannot be broken off. Not only are they safer but they will last you years of rockhounding. That is, they will last you for years if you carry them in a sheath. We consider Utah's deserts to be a large rock hammer exchange. We've left a few and collected a few. Now we carry them in a sheath so we don't set them down and loose them. We have found painting them construction orange helps to locate a misplaced tool.
12. CHISELS: In addition to your rock hammer, you'll want other tools. Chisels help remove rock or crystals with a little more precision. We recommend Estwing brand tools. They are also the best!
13. SAFETY GOGGLES: Eye protection is a serious concern when you are breaking rock. If you want to enjoy your specimens after you collect them, wear goggles or safety glasses.
14. GARDEN TROWEL: Very useful for small digging.
15. ROUND POINT SHOVEL & HOE: These tools are very handy when digging is required, especially at the geode beds.
16. SPECIMEN CONTAINERS: We've used all the following: cardboard boxes, milk crates, wooden crates, 5 gallon buckets, canvas sacks, egg cartons, Tupperware dishes, cookie tins, film containers, etc.
17. A BUDDY: We do not recommend rockhounding alone. Use the buddy system.
18. FOOD & SNACKS & MEDICATION: Besides your meals, take along plenty of snacks. It's better to have too much than not enough. Never leave for a collecting trip without any medication you may need!
19. HAT & SUNSCREEN: You will get a sunburn without these.
20. CAMPING GEAR: When rockhounding, nine times out of ten you will not be near any facilities. Be a good scout and go prepared with some basic camping supplies.
21. PATIENCE & COMMON SENSE: We've noticed that the most successful rockhounds are those that patiently keep looking around until they find something really great. Always use common sense when in the field. Never trespass. Respect others and their property.
          Rick, Anita, & the gang.
     From: http://www.rocks4u.com/.
     From Chips 4/02 via NAPA GEMS 6/05.

  Table of Contents.

SHOW DATES.

Virgin Valley Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show - An invitation is extended to your club to attend the 1st annual Virgin Valley gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show over the Labor Day week end to be held at the Opal Negra Mine millsite.
     There is no fee to buyers or sellers.
     There is plenty of space to set up a booth or to tailgate.
     Free camping is available at the nearby CCC campground. Or, if needed, there are full hookups at the Royal Peacock's RV Park at http://www.royalpeacock.com/mining01.htm. Reservations are recommended.
     If you have ever wanted to dig at one of the world famous opal fee digs here's another reason to go!
     More information is available on the Opal Negra Mine website, including maps, driving directions and links; at this address:
     http://thegemdealer.com/gemshow/virginvalleygemshow.htm.
     For questions not answered at the web site contact Scott Ryals at gemshow@thegemdealer.com or call 1-800-803-7601.
     Hope to see you there!
          Scott Ryals,
          Opal Negra Mining.

2005 CFMS SHOWS.

AUGUST 5, 6, 7; NIPOMA, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Avenue. Hours: 9-5 Daily. Lucky Virgin (805) 929-4525. Email: lvirgin@impulse.net.
AUGUST 6-7; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Soc., San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Ave. & Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott (510) 651-1601.
SEPTEMBER 2-5; FORT BRAGG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society @ Town Hall; Main & Laurel. Hours: Fri. - Sun. 10-6, Mon. 10-4. Don McPherson (707) 964-3116. 643 N. McPherson; Fort Brag, CA 95437.
SEPTEMBER 17-18; PASO ROBLES, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Park and Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Joyce Baird (805) 462-9544. Email: liljoysee@webtv.net.
SEPTEMBER 17-18; REDWOOD CITY, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society, Community Activity Building, 1400 Rosevelt Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Carol Corden (650) 776-5990. Email: ccorden@earthlink.net. Preston Bingham (650) 368-6351.
SEPTEMBER 24; LOS ALTOS, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Rancho Shopping Center, Corner of Foothill Expressway & Springer Road. Hours: 9:30-4:45. Dave Smith (650) 967-7392. Email: rdsmeks@sbcglobal.net.
SEPTEMBER 25-26; DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Downey Women's Club. 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4. Earl Liston (562) 865-1348. Email: ejliston5@juno.com.
SEPTEMBER 24-25; MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Soc., Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5. Sky Paxton (831) 755-7741. Email: sky@familystones.net, Web site www.cvgms.org/.
SEPTEMBER 24-25; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Hours: 10-4 both days. Kim Hutsell (619) 294-3914. Email: sdlapidary@yahoo.com.
OCTOBER 8-9; GRASS VALLEY, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral Soc., The Nevada County fairgrounds, 11228 McCounty Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road, Main Exhibit Hall. Hours: 10-5 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
OCTOBER 8-9; LAKESIDE, CA - El Cajon Valley Gem & Mineral, Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Hwy. 67 & Mapleview Street. Hours: 10-5 both days. Peggy Bowery (619) 561-1823. Email: Docsgirl9@aol.com.
OCTOBER 8-9; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356. Email: jbfairchild@verizon.net.
OCTOBER 15-16; ANDERSON, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta District Fairgrounds, Five Miles South of Redding. Hours: 10-5 both days. Alex Stoltz (530) 474-4400.
OCTOBER 22-23; SANTA ROSA, CA - Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 1351 Maple Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Shirley Mottson (707) 795-1730.
OCTOBER 22-23; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club 54th "Earth's Treasures Show". San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, Bldg. 2, 1658 South Airport Way (corner of Charter Way & Airport Way). Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Laure Haines (209) 838-0108 or Jim Dunlap. Email: jimsopals@Comcast.net.
NOVEMBER 5-6; CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Soc., Centre Concord @ 5298 Clayton Rd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bill McKay (925) 439-8195. Email: williammckay@hotmail.com.
NOVEMBER 4, 5, 6; EUREKA, CA - Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society, Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris Street. Hours: Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6 & Sun. 10-5. Pat Bunselmeier (707) 677-0131.
NOVEMBER 12-13; LANCASTER, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, Fairgrounds @ 2551 West Ave. H. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. John Martin (661) 916-9479. Email: pgmc@antelecom.net.
NOVEMBER 12-13; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Soc., 442 Franklin Avenue. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. Barbara & Charlie Brown (916) 652-4240.
NOVEMBER 11-13; SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Scottish Rite Temple, 615 H Street. Hours: Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. George Sterpka (916) 984-9730. Email: sterpka@comcast.net.
NOVEMBER 19-20; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophiles, "The Barn", 3131 Pacific Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Dick & Joyce Friesen (925) 447-8223. Email: friesenr@ix.netcom.net.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2005.

NORTHWEST,
August 5-7, Albany, OR.

MIDWEST / AFMS,
August 16-21, St. Louis, MO.

SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
November 12-13, Melbourne, FL.

SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
December 2-4, Austin, TX.

  Table of Contents.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

     My Apologies! Some of you may not even have noticed, but through a "senior moment" this bulletin is a week late! When scheduling our weekend to work on it I must have looked at the calendar wrong and we didn't notice it until right after the weekend we should have done it! OOPS! Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. We all enjoy articles from you members. How about writing up your thoughts about the show, vacation experiences, rock-collecting trips, Great Finds or anything of interest to share. Contributions from you members keep the Bulletin interesting and I thank you for them.

Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite.

  Table of Contents.

THE INSIDE STORY.

Two astronaut crews, one Soviet and the other American, landed on the moon. The Americans collected rock samples, while the Soviets started to paint the surface of the moon red. The Americans reported this to NASA ground control, but were told to allow the Russians to proceed. Two days later, the American astronauts reported back again: "The Russians have painted the entire surface of the moon red and have now departed." "Good," the NASA controller replied. "Write on it, in huge white letters, 'Coca-Cola'."

Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

The Toltec Mine, also called the Indian Turquoise Mine - The Toltec Mine is located on Turquoise Mountain near the community of Halloran Springs. This area is roughly 14 miles east of Baker in the Eastern Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County. The gem-mineral turquoise was first extracted from veins at this deposit at least several thousand years ago. Some archeologists have concluded that the deposit "was discovered (and mined) about 12,000 years ago, if not earlier". Evidence that supports its age is derived from the early discovery of a scapula (shoulder blade) from a large extinct mammal that lived during the Late Pleistocene. This bone material was excavated in 1898 from loose rock removed from the base of one of the pits at East Camp on Turquoise Mountain. The scapula had sufficient scrape and wear marks indicating that it was used as a crude digging tool much like we would use a shovel today. A variety of ancient tools have been found around Turquoise Mountain ranging in composition from bone/antler to stone implements. These tools were used for digging, scraping, chipping, prying and hammering. Also discovered were several lapidary stones used as an abrasive medium to remove the outer coating of the turquoise. The turquoise was used for making jewelry and as valuable raw material for trading.

The name "Toltec" was assigned to the mines at Turquoise Mountain based on evidence that some of the tools resembled similar tools fashioned by Toltec and/or Aztec Indians. The Toltec mine is one of the oldest, or perhaps the oldest mine known to exist in California. Turquoise Mountain may hold the earliest evidence for rockhounding and lapidary crafting in the Mojave Desert. If this is correct, then perhaps our hobby is at least 12,000 years old!

Sources: "Tales from the Turquoise Mountains", an article by "Turquoise" Eddie, published by the Baker Valley News, May 10, 1991, page 6.
     Guide to 50 Interesting and Mysterious Sites in the Mojave, a book by Bill Mann, from the article "Indian Turquoise Mine", published by Shortfuse Publishing Co., 1999, page 76.

The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Written by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, June 2005.

Illustration of the Month.



Column Support for Drills - 1905.

An engraving print showing methods of supporting pneumatic (air powered) drills used in drilling blast-holes in hard rock underground mines. Drilling was a required task before explosives could be placed. The print shows a mucking bucket lowered into the shaft with sharpened drill steels. Imagine the high level of noise emitted from the four drills in this confined space.

Source: Manual of Mining, by M. C. Ihlseng and Eugene B. Wilson, published by John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1905, page 646.

The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print rediscovered in old books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by Steve Mulqueen for the VGMS, June 2005.

  Table of Contents.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:
2005 Burro Creek Field Trip.
Photos by Ron Wise.

1. Nothing, Arizona, at the turn-off to the Burro Creek collecting areas.



2. A burro for which the creek area is named.



3. Ron Wise hard rock mining for purple agate.



4. Sunset.



5. Greg and Valli collecting in Burro Creek.



6. This guy/girl may have been to Burro Creek.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.